On Mary’s Mountain

The Mount St. Mary’s held the annual Oktoberfest party on the last Friday of October. A variety of traditional German foods such as bratwursts, sauerkraut, and pretzel rolls were consumed throughout the night by the seminarians and guests attending the celebration. Along with the tasty food, a number of refreshing autumn beers were also available for sampling. The seminarians always enjoy spending time with the families of the lay faculty who attend the festivities, and every year a number of the children come to Oktoberfest dressed in their Halloween costumes. In addition, an annual pumpkin carving contest is held during the evening. There was stiff competition for the pumpkin carving title this year which was won by Mike Misulia’s (S’18, Baltimore) design of a dragon which narrowly beat out Neil Kirchoefer (S’15, Peoria) whose unique carving of the face of seminarian Carl McIntosh (S’ 15, Bridgeport) onto a pumpkin was a favorite of many (see in picture). Misulia took home the first place prize of $100 while Kirchoefer received $50 for his efforts. Oktoberfest was the first of a handful of house parties throughout the year hosted by the seminary’s social committee headed by Matt Capadano (S’ 14, Omaha). The social committee, comprised of about ten seminarians, is entrusted with the planning and the overseeing of the parties, helping to ensure that all who attend have an enjoyable experience.